Beacon Outshines the Competition
Chef David Chiddo, who's other restaurants are Cicada and TY Harbor, has always done a good job of putting together a very favorable price versus dining experience ratio, and Beacon is no exception.

In Beacon's case, I can't help but imagine that the goal was to beat the (overly popular) Oak Door at the Grand Hyatt at its own game. To my eye there are striking similarities between the two places, both aesthetically and gastronomically. Beacon and the OD both feature absolutely top quality beef and other meats that are mostly simply prepared so that the flavor and quality of the raw materials can shine. Both places feature unique and well matched wine lists and a warm, modern room with plenty of space that is suited for dates as well as business related dinners.

In each of these areas Beacon trumps the old Oak Door. In three visits the quality of the food has always been top notch. When the kitchen strays from "grill it over a flame", it is done with consistent (if not wildly creative) success, with well balanced flavors and textures. Beacon's wine list is thoughtfully prepared, and is comprised mostly of those new world styles that match well with the bold, fresh new worldish flavors from the menu.

And as for the price-to-dining experience ratio that I referred to earlier, Beacon blows the Oak Door right of its hinges. The overall food and ambiance at Beacon [is] superior in many respects and never second. But the tab will likely be 40 to 60% lower, depending on the wine selection.

Several starters are worth mentioning. The mussels are big, juicy and perfectly prepared in a white wine, cream and fennel broth. The crab cake and crab louie are both well constructed. The soups are consistently delicious.

Salads are frankly mundane, but are fresh and good value in a city where shareable sized salads are becoming more rare.

Regarding mains, the red meat dishes tend to be simply grilled, and again the quality of meat allows this approach to be very successful. Fish dishes are more involved, but equally successful. My favorite here is the wild snapper.

Beacon's desserts are also high caliber, and frankly surprisingly so, as I have always considered this course to be the weakest at Cicada and TY Harbor. Try the excellent stickey toffee pudding or the butterscotch creme brulee.    [31 Aug 2006 04:57:41]

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     ­KCU   

Unfriendly To Families
My family has dined at the finest restaurants in Tokyo. We have become regulars at many restaurants where we have gotten to know the owners and managers. My family is welcome at their restaurants. However, when I tried to make a reservation in person at the Beacon, they refused me because I have a 5 year old son. My son is well behaved in restaurants which I explained but they still refused. I think this is a terrible policy and will never go to Beacon with my family or for business dinners ever again.    [28 Jan 2008 06:52:01]

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     ­Anonymous   

Had dinner here on Sunday and then lunch on Thursday, liked it that much. The starters were nothing special, and the apple cake almost a disappointment in relation to the excellent steaks and wagyu hamburger. I spend a lot of time in New York, and like to think I know a thing or two about steak, but for the money, these are some of the best steaks I have had. I wasn't even disappointed that my steak was a little over done, got medium when I ordered medium rare. Would prefer some old world wines, but that is just me. As for ambiance, sorry, but this is not the place for a five year old, no matter how well they are behaved - it is just not set up for that. The flaws in the ambiance came from some of the louder diners, who enjoyed the sound of their voice too much, but a problem in any open plan restaurant. Most people speak in a quiet enough tone to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Service, couldn't flaw it no matter how I tried. Next time I am in Tokyo, will definitely return here.    [28 Feb 2008 09:15:10]

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Recommended Dishes: steak and burgers

     ­Anonymous   

Always Top Notch at Beacon
I must admit to being a big fan of Beacon. I have eaten steak (usually the small Filet, deliciously rubbed with tasty spice before grilling), I have loved the snapper and dined on hamburgers on Sundays that were succulent and delicious - and on Sunday, children ARE welcome. I have eaten the American Thanksgiving dinner at Beacon and it was fantastic. Basically, a trip to Beacon is always delicious, with fantastic service, good wine selection and a relaxing, New York style vibe.    [27 Nov 2008 18:42:57]

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Recommended Dishes: Fresh blue fin tuna & avocado tartar with kochi jan dressing or, followed by whatever size steak you fancy - or the Wild Snapper, followed by one of the amazing seasonal desserts.

     ­TokyoLane   

Beacon's Monday Night Barbeque
I am from Houston, Texas and have spent the last year looking for a place to get Texas style BBQ (specifically brisket) here in Tokyo. When I heard the Beacon was starting this special night, June 8, I had to come check it out.
Under the circumstances, I believe Steve did a wonderful job on the brisket and ribs. The meat was well flavored and very tender. I will return for some of the other BBQ meats offered.
Even after eating so much food, I had the apple crumble for dessert and it was to die for.
Since this was my first trip to the Beacon, I look forward to going back and eating from their regular menu.
Mark, the manager, and the entire staff did a superb job on the service.
Thanks for a delightful evening!!    [12 Jun 2009 02:27:28]

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Recommended Dishes: BBQ and Apple Crumble....so far.

     ­Wayne